Don't let language barriers prevent you from having safe sex or getting the medication you need.
Read through this section to find out about birth control available in Japan, Japanese condom materials and sizes, STD/STI testing, and (coming soon) about getting an abortion.
Select a category from the tabs above or scroll down to see the whole section.
In Japan, birth control pills and IUDs are available at most gynecologists' offices. You will need to make an appointment (or walk-in visit; check with the clinic/hospital to see if an appointment is necessary) with a gynecologist to discuss your options. If you plan on using the pill or an IUD as birth control, neither of them are covered by insurance. Unlike other countries, your doctor will not give you a prescription to refill at the pharmacy on your own. After the first visit, you will receive one month of medication and need a follow-up before the end of your first pack. After that, you may receive up to 3 months of pills at a time. Please check with your clinic for current pricing.
IUDs can be used for several years depending on the type, greatly reducing the per-month cost of contraception compared with the pill. Costs vary by IUD type, doctor, and hospital, so consult your gynecologist for current pricing. If you decide you want an IUD, see your gynecologist for a consultation first. Insertion is a non-surgical procedure that is typically over in less than 15 minutes.
If you need the pill or a hormonal IUD for health-related issues (endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, fibroids, etc.), insurance may cover a portion of the cost. However, you will need exams and a diagnosis from a gynecologist deeming it necessary for your condition. Costs vary by clinic, so check directly with your doctor for current pricing.
For more options and more knowledgeable doctors, it is recommended you see a gynecologist at a large, reputable hospital for diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases of the female reproductive system.
If you have a health issue that requires a birth control pill or hormonal IUD for control, and also want to use it as a contraceptive, you can tell your doctor the reason you want it is for control of your condition (in order to have insurance coverage). The contraceptive effect of the treatment (i.e. pill or IUD) will then be considered a side-effect of your condition/disease treatment. It should be noted, however, that if you become pregnant while using an insurance-covered contraceptive as a condition/disease treatment, you forfeit your right to file a complaint/sue the company for drug/device failure as a contraceptive.
Also, keep in mind that you cannot just say you need it to control a disease or condition in order to receive insurance coverage; you require a diagnosis from a Japanese gynecologist in order to qualify for the coverage.
Dealing with doctors, especially gynecologists, in Japan can be frustrating at times. There are good doctors and bad doctors in every country, though, so don't throw in the towel on a bad egg. As a patient, you are entitled to a second, or even third, opinion. See as many doctors as it takes to find the one that fits, and never feel bad for leaving one behind. Your health is important, and you never have to feel like you're stuck with an arrogant doctor who won't listen to you. There are tons of excellent doctors in Japan, so don't give up if you have trouble at first.
Some alternative contraceptives common in other countries — such as Depo-Provera (injection), contraceptive implants, and NuvaRing — may not be available in Japan. Availability of contraceptive options changes over time, so consult a gynecologist to find out what is currently approved. Products found on unofficial online stores should be avoided as their integrity and safety cannot be guaranteed. If you rely on a specific method, confirm availability with a doctor before coming to Japan.
Birth control pills come in two basic types in Japan: monophasic and multiphasic. In a pack of monophasic birth control pills, all pills have the same hormone dose, with the exception of hormone-free reminder pills in 28-packs. In contrast, the pills in a pack of multiphasic birth control have a gradually strengthening hormone dose over the 21-day period (followed by a 7-day period of reminder pills which contain no hormones in 28-packs).
If you are considering switching to a Japanese birth control pill, check the insert on the brand you are currently using to see if the hormones/dosage of the ones available in Japan (listed below) are comparable to what you are on now. If there isn't one, talk to your Japanese gynecologist about your options for replacing your current pill.
To learn more about birth control pills, how they work, and their safety and effectiveness, visit Planned Parenthood for reliable information at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill
The Morning-After Pill (emergency contraception) is available in Japan. As of 2023, it can be obtained over the counter at select pharmacies under pharmacist guidance, in addition to gynecology clinics. If you need it, act as soon as possible — it is most effective within 72 hours. Check with your pharmacy or clinic for current pricing.
To learn more about the Morning-After Pill, how it works, and its safety and effectiveness, visit Planned Parenthood for reliable information at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception
| Ortho M-21 | |
|---|---|
| Norethisterone | 1.000mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.035mg |
| Marvelon 21 and Favoir 21 (generic of Marvelon) | |
|---|---|
| Desogestrel | 0.15mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.03mg |
| Marvelon 28 and Favoir 28 (generic of Marvelon) | ||
|---|---|---|
| White pills | Desogestrel | 0.15mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.03mg | |
| Green pills | Placebo/reminder pills | |
| Yaz | ||
|---|---|---|
| Light pink pills | Drospirenone | 3 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.020 mg | |
| White pills | Placebo/reminder pills | |
| Ange 21 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reddish brown pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.050 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.030 mg | |
| White pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.075 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.040 mg | |
| Yellow pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.125 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.030 mg | |
| Ange 28 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reddish brown pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.050 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.030 mg | |
| White pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.075 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.040 mg | |
| Yellow pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.125 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.030 mg | |
| Red pills | Placebo/reminder pills | |
| Labellefille 21 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reddish brown pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.050 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.030 mg | |
| White pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.075 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.040 mg | |
| Light yellow pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.125 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.030 mg | |
| Labellefille 28 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reddish brown pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.050 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.030 mg | |
| White pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.075 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.040 mg | |
| Light yellow pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.125 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.030 mg | |
| Red pills | Placebo/reminder pills | |
| Ortho 777-21 | ||
|---|---|---|
| White pills | Norethisterone | 0.500 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.035 mg | |
| Light orange pills | Norethisterone | 0.750 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.035 mg | |
| Orange pills | Norethisterone | 1.000 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.035 mg | |
| Synphase T28 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pale blue pills | Norethisterone | 0.5 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.035 mg | |
| White pills | Norethisterone | 1.0 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.035 mg | |
| Orange pills | Placebo/reminder pills | |
| Triquilar 21 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reddish brown pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.050 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.030 mg | |
| White pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.075 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.040 mg | |
| Yellowish brown pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.125 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.030 mg | |
| Triquilar 28 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reddish brown pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.050 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.030 mg | |
| White pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.075 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.040 mg | |
| Yellowish brown pills | Levonorgestrel | 0.125 mg |
| Ethinyl estradiol | 0.030 mg | |
| Red pills | Placebo/reminder pills | |
IUDs, or Intra-Uterine Devices, are long term birth control devices that can be used for years before needing to be replaced. To learn more about how IUDs are inserted, how they work, and their effectiveness, visit Planned Parenthood for reliable information at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| セックス | sekkusu | sex/ sexual intercourse |
| 避妊具 (ひにんぐ) | hiningu | contraceptives |
| 経口避妊薬 (けいこうひにんやく) | keikouhininyaku | oral contraceptives |
| 子宮内避妊器具 (しきゅうないひにんきぐ) | shikyuunaihininkigu | IUD (Intrauterine Device) |
| 緊急避妊ピル (きんきゅうひにんぴる) | kinkyuuhininpiru | Morning-After Pill |
| 膣 (ちつ) | chitsu | vagina |
| 子宮 (しきゅう) | shikyuu | uterus |
| 子宮頸部 (しきゅうけいぶ) | Shikyuukeibu | cervix |
| 卵管 (らんかん) | rankan | Fallopian tubes |
| 卵巣 (らんそう) | ransou | ovaries |
| 排卵 (はいらん) | hairan | ovulation |
| 卵子 (らんし) | ranshi | egg/ovum |
| 生理 (せいり) | seiri | period/menstrual cycle |
| 生理痛 (せいりつう) | seiritsuu | menstrual pain/cramps |
| 出血 (しゅっけつ) | shukketu | bleeding/menstrual flow |
| 子宮内膜症 (しきゅうないまくしょう) | shikyuunaimakushou | endometriosis |
| 子宮筋腫 (しきゅうきんしゅ) | shikyuukinshu | uterine fibroids |
| 子宮内膜ポリープ (しきゅうないまくぽりーぷ) | shikyuunaimakuporiipu | uterine polyps |
| 多嚢胞性卵巣症候群 (たのうほうせいらんそうしょうこうぐん) | tanouhouseiransoushoukougun | Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) |
| 月経困難症 (げっけいこんなんしょう) | gekkeikonnanshou | dysmenorrhea |
| 月経過多 (げっけいかた) | gekkeikata | menorrhagia |
Condoms are widely available and come in a huge variety. The vast majority of condoms in Japan are 0.001 – 0.003 mm thick. While condoms this thin may not be the norm in your home country, you do not have to worry about Japanese condoms. With proper use and fitting, they are just as strong and reliable as thicker condoms.
The vast majority of condoms are latex, but polyurethane and polyisoprene types also exist. Sizes vary by company, but a general range of sizes is listed below:
| Size | Diameter | Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| S | 31 – 32 mm (1.2 – 1.26 in) | 9.7 – 10 cm (3.8 – 3.9 in) |
| M | 34 – 36 mm (1.3 – 1.4 in) | 10.6 – 11.3 cm (4.2 – 4.4 in) |
| L | 38 – 42 mm (1.49 – 1.65 in) | 11.9 – 13.1 cm (4.7 – 5.16 in) |
| LL (XL) | 44 – 57 mm (1.7 – 2.2 in) | 13.8 – 17.8 cm (5.4 – 7 in) |
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to determine the length of condoms in Japan. The only company to provide this information outright is Sagami, maker of polyurethane condoms.
The sizes provided by Sagami are as below:
Standard size:
Length- 170mm (17cm)
Width- 36mm (3.6cm) diameter
Large size:
Length- 190mm (19cm)
Width- 38mm (3.8cm) diameter
Some foreign brands with foreign sizes are available on Amazon Japan and at places like Condomania in Tokyo. However, we cannot guarantee that other companies increase the length of their condoms as they increase the girth, so if you have concerns about length and the Sagami large size is inadequate, it may be best to bring condoms from your home country.
Material types available in Japan include: latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene. Lamb skin condoms are not available in Japan. Polyurethane condoms and polyisoprene condoms are ideal for those with latex allergies or who do not like the smell or residual taste of latex condoms. Non-lubricated condoms are not available in Japan.
To learn more about condoms in general, visit Planned Parenthood for reliable information at:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/condom
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| セックス | sekkusu | sex/ sexual intercourse |
| コンドーム | kondoomu | condom |
| ローション・ジェル | rooshon, jeru | lubricant |
| 殺精子剤 (さっせいしざい) | Sasseishizai | spermicide |
| ゴム | gomu | rubber (material), condom |
| ラテックス | ratekkusu | latex |
| ポリウレタン | poriuretan | polyurethane |
| イソプレンラバー | isopurenrabaa | polyisoprene |
| 精子 (せいし) | seishi | Sperm/ejaculate (noun) |
| 勃起 (ぼっき) | bokki | erection |
| 射精 (しゃせいshasei) | shasei | ejaculation |
Thin (0.01mm or 0.02 mm) polyurethane condoms that come wrapped in a plastic case, facing the correct direction for easy application. Simply pick straight up out of the plastic case and put on. Unscented, unflavoured, colourless. Sagami Original condoms are available in Regular and Large size in the 0.02 mm variety, and in Regular size in the 0.01 mm variety.
Thin, 0.02 mm polyurethane condoms that come in many varieties.
Top left: Regular, colourless condoms that come in packs of 3, 6, 12, or 24.
Middle left: Large size condoms that come in packs of 6 or 12.
Bottom left: Multi-pack of coloured condoms in pink, blue, and orange. Pack of 6.
Top right: Pink condoms. Pack of 6.
Bottom right: "Glans Fit" condoms that have a wider taper around the glans. Pack of 6.
Thin, 0.03mm latex condoms that come in many varieties.
Top to bottom, left side:
Regular: Natural colour, pack of 12.
L Size: all-over bigger size, pack of 10.
Hyaluronic Acid: condoms with moisturizing lubricant, pack of 10.
Hot: condoms with warming lubricant, pack of 10.
Top to bottom, right side:
Real Fit: domed tip for more comfort, pack of 10.
Aloe: condom lubricant contains aloe extract, pack of 10.
Smooth: exceptionally smooth condoms, pack of 10.
Colour: multi-pack of coloured condoms in pink, blue, and orange. Pack of 12.
Standard latex condoms in pink and green. Affordable and reliable. Packs of 6 or 12.
Latex condoms in S, L, and XL sizes.
Smart Boy: 31mm diameter condoms
Super Big Boy: condoms with a diameter 4mm wider than standard condoms
Mega big boy: 46mm diameter condoms
STD testing can be obtained at any clinic, though it can be very expensive, as testing is conducted by disease. If you cannot afford to be tested at a hospital, or cannot be tested at a hospital due to your living situation or simply want anonymity, STD Lab offers safe, accurate, confidential testing by mail. You can also arrange to have the test available for post-office-pickup in case you cannot have it sent to your home.
You simply purchase the testing kit you want, perform the tests at home, and send the prepaid envelope back to the lab. Your results will be sent to you online within 1 week of testing. The tests themselves are wrapped in tamper-proof black bags and shipped in unmarked cardboard boxes. It should be noted, however, that upon opening the box, if the black bag containing the test kit is damaged or open, that you should NOT take the test and you should contact STD Lab.
Visit STD LAB to see available tests and purchase online:
https://www.std-lab.jp/shopping/list.php
Make sure the box is undamaged, and the black bag containing your kit inside the cardboard box is sealed and unbroken. Lay out the test materials on a clean surface. Fill out the form in the envelope. Your name or other personal information is not needed. The carbon copy will stay with you. This will be used to collect your online test results later, so keep it somewhere safe. Wash your hands thoroughly before the test. After you have conducted the tests, place the urine/blood/swab samples and the form you filled out into the prepaid envelop that was in the test box. Simply drop it in the mail and wait for notification from STD Lab about your results.
STD Lab provides free guidance for what to do in the event of a positive test result. If any of your results come back unclear due to a variety of factors (not enough blood or urine given, etc.), they will send you a new test for free. STD Lab does not collect any personal identification information for your tests or results, and their system is 100% anonymous. The only personal information you will be required to give them is for the purchase only (address, credit card number, name). The serial number of the test they send you is unknown to any person besides you, so no test result could be traced back to you personally.
Urine testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. The gendering of the tests is to accommodate for difference of genitalia.
Vaginal swab test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, and yeast infection (candidiasis).
Urine test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma.
Vaginal swab test for yeast infection (candidiasis) and general bacterial infections.
Urine test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, Blood test for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B.
Vaginal swab test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, Blood test for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B.
Vaginal swab test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, and yeast infection (candidiasis). Blood test for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B.
Urine test for Chlamydia.
Vaginal swab test for Chlamydia.
Vaginal swab test for HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).
Blood test for HIV.
Blood test for Syphilis.
Blood test for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
Gargle test for Oral Chlamydia and Oral Gonorrhea.
Blood test for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B.
Urine test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, gargle test for Oral Chlamydia and Oral Gonorrhea.
Vaginal swab test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, gargle test for Oral Chlamydia and Oral Gonorrhea.
Vaginal swab test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichonomiasis, and yeast infection (candidiasis). Gargle test for Oral Chlamydia and Oral Gonorrhea.
Urine test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Blood test for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B. Gargle test for Oral Chlamydia and Oral Gonorrhea.
Vaginal swab test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Blood test for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B. Gargle test for Oral Chlamydia and Oral Gonorrhea.
Vaginal swab test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichonomiasis, and yeast infection (candidiasis). Blood test for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B. Gargle test for Oral Chlamydia and Oral Gonorrhea.
Vaginal swab test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichonomiasis, yeast infection (candidiasis), general bacterial infections, and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Blood test for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Gargle test for Oral Chlamydia and Oral Gonorrhea.
Urine test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma. Blood test for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Gargle test for Oral Chlamydia and Oral Gonorrhea.
In an effort to cut down the incidence of HIV and AIDs in Japan, there has been more awareness of the subject and testing can be obtained for free.
Visit the link below to see what facilities are available in your area. There is often (but not always) English-speaking staff available.
Select your language: https://www.hivkensa.com/language/
English version: https://www.hivkensa.com/language/en/
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 性感染症 (せいかんせんしょう) | seikansenshou | Sexually Transmitted Disease |
| クラミジア | kuramijia | Chlamydia |
| 淋病 / 淋菌 (りんびょう/ りんきん) | rinbyou/rinkin | Gonorrhea |
| HIV/エイズ | HIV/eizu | HIV/AIDs |
| マイコプラズマ | maikopurazuma | Mycoplasma |
| ウレアプラズマ | ureapurazuma | Ureaplasma |
| カンジダ | kanjida | Candidiasis (yeast infection) |
| 一般細菌 (いっぱんさいきん) | ippansaikin | General Bacterial Infections (bacterial vaginosis, etc.) |
| ヒトパピローマウイルス | hitopapiroomauirusu | Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) |
| 梅毒 (ばいどく) | baidoku | Syphilis |
| B型肝炎 (Bがたかんえん) | B gatakanen | Hepatitis B |
| C型肝炎 (Cがたかんえん) | C gatakanen | Hepatitis C |
| ヘルペス | Herupesu | herpes |
| 喉 (のど) | nodo | throat, oral |
| うがい液検査 (うがいえきけんさ) | ugaiekikensa | gargle fluid test |
| 尿検査 (にょうけんさ) | nyoukensa | urinalysis (urine test) |
| 膣分泌液検査 (ちつぶんぴつえきけんさ) | Chitubunpitsuekikensa | vaginal secretion test (vaginal swab) |
| 血液検査 (けつえきけんさ) | ketsuekikensa | blood test |
| 膣 (ちつ) | chitsu | vagina |
| 陰茎 (いんけい) | Inkei | penis |
Emergency Services
Learn Japan's emergency response system.
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OTC
Lists of the most common medicines you can buy.
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Prescription Drugs
Learn how prescriptions work and how to get refills in Japan.
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Eye Care
Find out how to get glasses and treatment for eye disease.
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Dentistry
Find the dental system and various treatments in Japan.
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Healthcare System
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